Our next stop was Barcelona. Wow, amazing!!We had 4 nights, and could have easily had 4 more. So much to see!
We had an Airbnb this time, strategically booked to get some washing done, and also because we were meeting our travel buddies – Ed and Shelly!
Our first full day started with a stroll up and down the full length of Las Ramblas, a massive tourist strip that runs all the way to the sea. It’s tree lined strip is an endless procession of restaurants and souvenir shops. Supposedly a bag snatchers paradise but we had no trouble.
Half way along we reached La bocheria, the famous central market. It was jam packed with people strolling through all the different food products Spain had to offer.
After roughly 3km we reached the sea, guarded by the statue of Columbus a famous Italian 😜.
Lots of steps later we had a late lunch at a place recommended by a friend, Bar Canete. A very cool place, that was surprisingly busy considering that it was hidden away on a quiet street a little way off the main strip. The food was great too.
In the evening Bel and I went to our first ever La Liga game – Barcelona v Seville, at the Olympic stadium.
It was a great experience, the atmosphere was amazing with constant singing and chanting by the Barcelona supporters who thankfully left happy with a 1-0 win.
After the game we searched for a taxi home but none were to be found so we decided to follow the crowd down the hill to the city to see if we could get one there. Almost an hour later we were tired and still walking when finally a vacant taxi picked us up 20min from home. 20,000+ steps later we were nicely tucked in bed.
The following morning we joined a full day tour around the city see the main sites.
We started along the high street where there were amazing “Casa’s” that were historically the homes of the rich, and now museums and shops. It was my first experience of Gaudi, who designed many of the homes depicted and I was quickly becoming a fan. So unique.
Next we were taken back to where we had walked home from the previous night, the Olympic stadium at the top of Montjuic to get a spectacular view across the city.
Followed by a walk through the old town.
We then drove across town to the highlights of the tour. Two amazing creations by Gaudi.
First was Sagrada Familia, and no words or photos can depict the sense of awe you have when standing in front of it. It is a modern day masterpiece. Just amazing. Started in 1882, it is yet to be completed and has no estimated completion date, partly because they’re Spanish and partly due to the intricate and artistic detail in the construction. It was Gaudi’s life work and will be his legacy for millennia.
And then Park Guell, a failed housing estate that was bought by the local government and turned into a park designed by Gaudi. Once again beautifully designed and the mosaics are stunning.
On our last day we finished the stay with some shopping – Bel had to go back and buy some poopers, and then enjoyed an afternoon in our backyard, enjoying the company of some of the locals in our complex.
Love Barcelona!